Russia registers case of cholera in Moscow region

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - A case of cholera, one of the most dangerous known infectious diseases, has been confirmed in the Moscow region, Russia’s public health authority said on Thursday.

According to a statement by Rospotrebnadzor, a 40-year-old man who recently returned from India was diagnosed with the illness.

The man traveled alone to several cities in India and also visited Nepal between April 11 and 20. He reported consuming filtered tap water and eating in various cafes during his trip. Upon returning home, he began to feel unwell and sought medical attention.

“Following a sharp deterioration in his condition, the patient was hospitalized at an infectious diseases hospital. Urgent laboratory testing conducted at the Federal Medical Institution of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor in the Moscow region confirmed the presence of the cholera pathogen," it said.

As of Thursday morning the patient’s condition is stable, with signs of improvement, the health agency added.

Rospotrebnadzor officials have identified and traced 321 individuals across 33 regions who had contact with the patient. The group includes family members, passengers and crew from his return flight, and emergency medical personnel. All are under medical observation, have undergone laboratory testing, and have received preventive treatment.

To date, none of the identified contacts have shown symptoms of the disease, Rospotrebnadzor said.

“Anti-epidemic measures continue in the Moscow region. The situation is under the strict supervision of Rospotrebnadzor,” it stressed.